Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,

I\'ve just a moment, because I must attend two classes, pack a trunk
and a suit-case, and catch the four-o\'clock train--but I couldn\'t
go without sending a word to let you know how much I appreciate
my Christmas box.

I love the furs and the necklace and the Liberty scarf and the gloves
and handkerchiefs and books and purse--and most of all I love you!
But Daddy, you have no business to spoil me this way. I\'m only human--
and a girl at that. How can I keep my mind sternly fixed on a
studious career, when you deflect me with such worldly frivolities?

I have strong suspicions now as to which one of the John Grier
Trustees used to give the Christmas tree and the Sunday ice-cream.
He was nameless, but by his works I know him! You deserve to be
happy for all the good things you do.

Goodbye, and a very merry Christmas.
Yours always,
Judy


PS. I am sending a slight token, too. Do you think you would
like her if you knew her?


11th January

I meant to write to you from the city, Daddy, but New York
is an engrossing place.

I had an interesting--and illuminating--time, but I\'m glad I don\'t
belong to such a family! I should truly rather have the John Grier
Home for a background. Whatever the drawbacks of my bringing up,
there was at least no pretence about it. I know now what people
mean when they say they are weighed down by Things. The material
atmosphere of that house was crushing; I didn\'t draw a deep breath
until I was on an express train coming back. All the furniture
was carved and upholstered and gorgeous; the people I met were
beautifully dressed and low-voiced and well-bred, but it\'s the truth,
Daddy, I never heard one word of real talk from the time we arrived
until we left. I don\'t think an idea ever entered the front door.

Mrs. Pendleton never thinks of anything but jewels and dressmakers
and social engagements. She did seem a different kind of mother from
Mrs. McBride! If I ever marry and have a family, I\'m going to make them
as exactly like the McBrides as I can. Not for all the money in the
world would I ever let any children of mine develop into Pendletons.
Maybe it isn\'t polite to criticize people you\'ve been visiting?
If it isn\'t, please excuse. This is very confidential, between you
and me.

I only saw Master Jervie once when he called at tea time,
and then I didn\'t have a chance to speak to him alone.
It was really disappointing after our nice time last summer.
I don\'t think he cares much for his relatives--and I am sure they
don\'t care much for him! Julia\'s mother says he\'s unbalanced.
He\'s a Socialist--except, thank Heaven, he doesn\'t let his hair grow
and wear red ties. She can\'t imagine where he picked up his queer ideas;
the family have been Church of England for generations. He throws
away his money on every sort of crazy reform, instead of spending it
on such sensible things as yachts and automobiles and polo ponies.
He does buy candy with it though! He sent Julia and me each a box
for Christmas.............